Letter: The dismal failure of ‘The War on Poverty’

The letter to the editor Feb. 2 should read; The dismal failure of "The War on Poverty." L.B.J's plan was to give the poor an "opportunity not doles." A plan to decrease welfare dependency and raise everyone out of poverty.

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By Special to the Rockford Register Star

Rockford Register Star

By Special to the Rockford Register Star

Posted Feb. 5, 2014 at 9:00 AM

By Special to the Rockford Register Star

Posted Feb. 5, 2014 at 9:00 AM

The letter to the editor Feb. 2 should read; The dismal failure of "The War on Poverty." L.B.J's plan was to give the poor an "opportunity not doles." A plan to decrease welfare dependency and raise everyone out of poverty.

The progressive "War on Poverty" has spent $20 trillion since 1965. The administrative costs are estimated at over 70 percent. How do you account for these expenditures? The government subsidizes 120 welfare programs but yet the HHS website claims “We not sure what we are paying for and whether the funds are being spent in a cost effective manner.” The way the current system works, it would be too resource intensive to even try and find out the answer. Accountability? Why does our government reward bad decision making, and addictive, irresponsible behavior?

Walter Williams (George Mason University) gave us a recipe for "How not to be poor." 1.) graduate from high school. 2.) get married before you have children and stay married. 3.) work at any job, even one that starts at the minimum wage. 4.) avoid criminal activity. These recommendations should be a part of every school curriculum. The war on poverty has become a substitute for a male head of household.